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About CTUL

Mission

CTUL is a worker-led organization where workers organize, educate and empower each other to fight for a voice in their workplaces and in their communities. We partner with other organizations and leaders to build a movement to win racial, gender and economic justice. We identify the root causes of injustice and work to shift the balance of power between those who have it and those who don’t to improve the lives of our communities for present and future generations.

A photo of a person in a red shirt and jean jacket holding a microphone.

Victories

Retail Janitors Campaign
CTUL led the Retail Janitorial Campaign from 2010 - 2017. When we launched the campaign, it seemed that large retail chains wanted to put on a nice image for customers with nice clean stores, but behind the scenes wanted to find ways to cut costs, which led to lower wages and benefits for the workers contracted to clean those stores. Retail companies contracted out cleaning jobs, and cleaning contractors evidently took advantage of this to try to avoid accountability for working conditions. This meant little to no protection on hours, benefits, or wages, and made it extremely difficult for workers to have a voice in the workplace. Wage theft was a rampant problem in this industry where cleaning companies felt little pressure to abide by the law. Through the Campaign for Justice in Retail Cleaning, retail janitors have fought to stop the downward spiral of wages and working conditions in the Twin Cities. Workers have organized to effectively end wage theft and nearly double wages across the industry – the first raises workers had seen after over a decade of declining wages. In addition, CTUL won a Responsible Contractors Policy with Target Corporation that helped shift the balance in the market. Ultimately, workers have now won union representation in the majority of the retail janitorial industry in the Twin Cities metro area, represented by SEIU Local 26. This is the first place in the country where this specific market is majority union.
Fight For $15
The fast-food industry has grown a lot in the last few decades, bringing in millions of dollars of revenue for those on top of the food chain, but this wealth has not been shared with the workers who are making it all possible. With the poverty wages and terrible benefits that most fast-food chains offer, it’s extremely difficult to provide for a family, even when working multiple jobs for more than sixty hours a week. Fast food workers in the Twin Cities have been organizing with CTUL as part of the national Fight for $15 and the right to a union since the fall of 2014. They have led several strikes to call on employers such as McDonald’s to pay a living wage and provide benefits to their employees, and in the process workers have won many local victories to improve conditions in their workplaces. Fast food workers in Minneapolis played a crucial role in winning the Earned Sick and Safe Time ordinance in May of 2016 and continue to lead the fight to raise the minimum wage to 15/hr.
Wages Won Back
As of the spring of 2021, CTUL has supported workers in winning back over $2.7 million in unpaid wages since 2007.
Municipal Earned Sick and Safe Time
CTUL members played key roles in the coalition campaigns which led to strong Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) ordinances passing in Minneapolis and Saint Paul in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Our members spoke publicly about the need for paid sick days, organized co-workers to strike in support of ESST, hosted events to explore and publicize the issue, and served on city-appointed boards to review potential elements of the draft ordinances. Under these ordinances workers in both cities are able to bank paid time off based on their hours worked, then use that time to access preventative healthcare, recover their own health when they are ill or injured, care for a sick loved one, or escape/receive support around domestic violence (this is the ‘safe’ portion of Earned Sick and Safe Time). These policies are among the most progressive in the nation and have become important tools in fighting the spread of COVID-19.
State and Municipal Wage Theft Protections
Since we formed in 2010 CTUL has been supporting workers in winning back stolen wages, but wage theft remains shockingly common in low-wage workplaces. Over time many unscrupulous employers have built wage theft into their business plans because workers so rarely fight back, and even when they do the consequences for employers are so minor that it makes better business sense to rip off their workers than to follow the law. In 2019 CTUL shifted this unjust status quo in Minneapolis and statewide through the passage of a city ordinance and a state statute which put stronger tools to fight wage theft in the hands of workers and their advocates. These include potential denial of operating permits for repeat offenders and stronger protections against retaliation for workers who come forward.
Worker-driven Enforcement of Labor Standards
While we are proud of our policy victories around wages and paid sick days, a policy is only as effective as its enforcement. Many laws intended to benefit working people, especially workers of color and immigrant workers, are ineffective because they don’t include these workers in their creation and implementation. That’s why CTUL has established a co-enforcement relationship with the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, to assure that all workers benefit as intended from the city labor standards. Through this program, organizers from CTUL as well as Awood Center and Restaurant Opportunities Center conduct worksite outreach to inform workers of their rights under the city labor standards. We also present train-the trainer workshops to cohorts of workers of color and immigrant workers so that they can educate others in their communities about their labor rights and how to take action if these rights are violated. We also meet periodically with city staff to talk about patterns of violations and strategize ways to increase workers awareness and employer compliance.
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Retail Janitors Campaign
CTUL led the Retail Janitorial Campaign from 2010 - 2017. When we launched the campaign, it seemed that large retail chains wanted to put on a nice image for customers with nice clean stores, but behind the scenes wanted to find ways to cut costs, which led to lower wages and benefits for the workers contracted to clean those stores. Retail companies contracted out cleaning jobs, and cleaning contractors evidently took advantage of this to try to avoid accountability for working conditions. This meant little to no protection on hours, benefits, or wages, and made it extremely difficult for workers to have a voice in the workplace. Wage theft was a rampant problem in this industry where cleaning companies felt little pressure to abide by the law. Through the Campaign for Justice in Retail Cleaning, retail janitors have fought to stop the downward spiral of wages and working conditions in the Twin Cities. Workers have organized to effectively end wage theft and nearly double wages across the industry – the first raises workers had seen after over a decade of declining wages. In addition, CTUL won a Responsible Contractors Policy with Target Corporation that helped shift the balance in the market. Ultimately, workers have now won union representation in the majority of the retail janitorial industry in the Twin Cities metro area, represented by SEIU Local 26. This is the first place in the country where this specific market is majority union.
Fight For $15
The fast-food industry has grown a lot in the last few decades, bringing in millions of dollars of revenue for those on top of the food chain, but this wealth has not been shared with the workers who are making it all possible. With the poverty wages and terrible benefits that most fast-food chains offer, it’s extremely difficult to provide for a family, even when working multiple jobs for more than sixty hours a week. Fast food workers in the Twin Cities have been organizing with CTUL as part of the national Fight for $15 and the right to a union since the fall of 2014. They have led several strikes to call on employers such as McDonald’s to pay a living wage and provide benefits to their employees, and in the process workers have won many local victories to improve conditions in their workplaces. Fast food workers in Minneapolis played a crucial role in winning the Earned Sick and Safe Time ordinance in May of 2016 and continue to lead the fight to raise the minimum wage to 15/hr.
Wages Won Back
As of the spring of 2021, CTUL has supported workers in winning back over $2.7 million in unpaid wages since 2007.
Municipal Earned Sick and Safe Time
CTUL members played key roles in the coalition campaigns which led to strong Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) ordinances passing in Minneapolis and Saint Paul in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Our members spoke publicly about the need for paid sick days, organized co-workers to strike in support of ESST, hosted events to explore and publicize the issue, and served on city-appointed boards to review potential elements of the draft ordinances. Under these ordinances workers in both cities are able to bank paid time off based on their hours worked, then use that time to access preventative healthcare, recover their own health when they are ill or injured, care for a sick loved one, or escape/receive support around domestic violence (this is the ‘safe’ portion of Earned Sick and Safe Time). These policies are among the most progressive in the nation and have become important tools in fighting the spread of COVID-19.
State and Municipal Wage Theft Protections
Since we formed in 2010 CTUL has been supporting workers in winning back stolen wages, but wage theft remains shockingly common in low-wage workplaces. Over time many unscrupulous employers have built wage theft into their business plans because workers so rarely fight back, and even when they do the consequences for employers are so minor that it makes better business sense to rip off their workers than to follow the law. In 2019 CTUL shifted this unjust status quo in Minneapolis and statewide through the passage of a city ordinance and a state statute which put stronger tools to fight wage theft in the hands of workers and their advocates. These include potential denial of operating permits for repeat offenders and stronger protections against retaliation for workers who come forward.
Worker-driven Enforcement of Labor Standards
While we are proud of our policy victories around wages and paid sick days, a policy is only as effective as its enforcement. Many laws intended to benefit working people, especially workers of color and immigrant workers, are ineffective because they don’t include these workers in their creation and implementation. That’s why CTUL has established a co-enforcement relationship with the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, to assure that all workers benefit as intended from the city labor standards. Through this program, organizers from CTUL as well as Awood Center and Restaurant Opportunities Center conduct worksite outreach to inform workers of their rights under the city labor standards. We also present train-the trainer workshops to cohorts of workers of color and immigrant workers so that they can educate others in their communities about their labor rights and how to take action if these rights are violated. We also meet periodically with city staff to talk about patterns of violations and strategize ways to increase workers awareness and employer compliance.
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Job Openings

Legal Fellowship Sponsorship

Fall 2023 Fellowship Sponsorship Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en la Lucha (CTUL), a Twin Cities worker center, seeks third-year law students or recent graduates as

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January 1, 2023
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Fundraising Director

Fundraising DirectorCentro de Trabajadores Unidos en Lucha (CTUL) Organization Mission Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en Lucha (CTUL) is a worker-led organization where workers organize, educate,

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January 1, 2023

Construction Worker Organizer

 Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en la Lucha Organization Summary CTUL is a worker-led organization where workers organize, educate, and empower each other to fight for

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June 30, 2022
CTUL Logo: Two hands emerging from the Minneapolis skyline and clasping.
3715 Chicago Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 332-0663
(612) 825-4456
ally@ctul.net
3715 Chicago Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 332-0663
(612) 825-4456
ally@ctul.net

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CTUL Logo: Two hands emerging from the Minneapolis skyline and clasping.
3715 Chicago Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 332-0663
(612) 825-4456
ally@ctul.net
3715 Chicago Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 332-0663
(612) 825-4456
ally@ctul.net
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Carlos Parra

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Organizador

Soy un organizador con CTUL, organizo a las personas trabajadoras de color, en torno al salario mínimo, días de enfermedad pagados y otros problemas en su lugar de trabajo.

Me encanta el trabajo que hago porque la gente de color está desafiando al mundo capitalista y cuando los trabajadores ejercen sus derechos y se organizan, ganan. Cuando las madres solteras usan sus días de enfermedad pagados para cuidar a sus hijos, ganan. Cuando aumenta el salario mínimo, los trabajadores ganan. Quiero un mundo donde la clase trabajadora prospere y disfrute de la vida en lugar de trabajar para vivir.

Fuera del trabajo me gusta andar en bicicleta con mi hija y pasar mucho tiempo con la familia disfrutando de comidas deliciosas.

TATE HORNOF

CTUL Logo: Two hands emerging from the Minneapolis skyline and clasping.

Organizador de Defensores

Como miembro del Equipo Defensores, mi trabajo es hacer alcance comunitario para conectarme con los trabajadores y brindarles herramientas para educar a otros trabajadores sobre sus derechos laborales. Lo que me motiva de mi trabajo es el hecho de que el conocimiento es poder. Cuanto más aprenden los trabajadores sobre sus derechos, más poder tienen para luchar contra las injusticias laborales que enfrentan.

Mi visión para el mundo y para mi comunidad es que podemos existir como nosotros mismos y no ser discriminados por ello. Mi visión es que todos podemos reconocer y celebrar nuestras diferencias y luchar juntos para erradicar la opresión sistémica. Fuera del trabajo en CTUL, me encanta andar en patineta, escribir, y tocar música, hacer kayak en el río y abrazar a mi dulce gato, Benjamin, y mi tierno perro, Greene.

Cody Oesterreich

CTUL Logo: Two hands emerging from the Minneapolis skyline and clasping.

Defensora de Trabajadores para Servicios Sociales

Antes de me trabajo en CTUL, Crecí en una zona rural de Minnesota en una gran familia y finalmente me dirigí a Guatemala para trabajar como Acompañante de Derechos Humanos para los sobrevivientes del genocidio, trabajé en restaurantes de Minneapolis, trabajé en CTUL como organizador aliado y escritor de subvenciones cuando CTUL era más joven. Trabajo de asistente legal de inmigración en Servicios Legales y ahora estoy de regreso en CTUL como Defensor del Trabajador de Servicios Sociales. Junto con mi trabajo en CTUL, soy mamá de 3 niños increíbles y me encanta estar en el bosque.

Matthew Riley

Staff Portrait Photo

Organizador

Como organizador de trabajadores, mi trabajo es conectarme y educar a los trabajadores en Minneapolis y Saint Paul. Lo que realmente me motiva de este trabajo es cuando escucho las historias de las personas y su voluntad de querer luchar por el poder de los trabajadores.

Mi visión para el futuro es que los trabajadores tengan los beneficios y la paga que merecen. Cuando nadie tiene que luchar por sus derechos porque todos los trabajadores ya los tienen. Además de mi trabajo en CTUL, me gusta jugar fútbol, ​​disfrutar de los medios de todo tipo, hacer ejercicio y hacer viajes a la cabaña de mi familia en el norte.

Karina Genis

Staff Portrait Photo

Asistente Ejecutiva

Mi papel en CTUL como asistente ejecutivo es administrar los calendarios de los codirectores, crear procesos para la organización y la sostenibilidad, y supervisar y coordinar el proceso de traducción de documentos. Me siento muy motivado por trabajar para una organización que hace un trabajo tan bueno e intencional. Me siento inspirado todos los días por la capacidad de recuperación de mis compañeros de trabajo y miembros y su increíble forma de pensar, que ha ampliado la mía.

Mi visión para el futuro es la distribución de la riqueza, no hay razón para que el 1% necesite o deba tener tanto dinero, erradicando la supremacía blanca, el capitalismo y el patriarcado. Mi sueño para el futuro de mi comunidad es crear un mejor equilibrio entre el trabajo y la vida. La gente debería poder vivir y disfrutar la vida.

Fuera de mi trabajo en CTUL, me gusta andar en bicicleta, jugar fútbol, ​​renovar muebles, ver películas de terror, pasar tiempo en la naturaleza y ver películas.

Sumaya Mo' Allin

CTUL Logo: Two hands emerging from the Minneapolis skyline and clasping.

Organizador

Soy un organizador de trabajadores en CTUL, mi trabajo se enfoca principalmente en construir y conectar a los trabajadores en Minneapolis y St. Paul y apoyarlos para que asuman su poder y dignidad.

Mi visión para el futuro es una en la que todos tengan la autonomía para vivir y trabajar en un entorno que les permita prosperar y vivir una vida plena y abundante independientemente de sus antecedentes. Lo que me motiva es ver a los trabajadores fortalecer su liderazgo y aprender a usar su voz para el mejoramiento de los demás. En mi tiempo libre, disfruto estar al aire libre tanto como puedo, pasar tiempo con mis mascotas y leer libros de ficción.

Alissa Pollard

Staff Portrait Photo

Organizador Digital

Como organizador digital, mi función es llevar a la gente del ámbito digital al ámbito físico, tanto a través de la divulgación como del compromiso a través de las redes sociales y otras herramientas digitales. Me motiva el poder de nuestros testimonios individuales y cómo eso nos une a todos cuando nos unimos y encontramos coincidencias en nuestras historias.

Mi visión para nosotros es que todos veamos el valor de nuestras propias experiencias, así como de las de los demás, y creemos una comunidad en la que todos aprendan voluntariamente unos de otros.

Cuando no estoy trabajando con CTUL, me gusta estar activo al aire libre, pasar el rato con amigos, leer y tocar música.

Drew Sieplinga

CTUL Logo: Two hands emerging from the Minneapolis skyline and clasping.

Lider de Recursos Humanos y Gerente de la Oficina

Mi papel es apoyar a los trabajadores de CTUL para que puedan apoyar y luchar por todos los trabajadores. Lo que me motiva de mi trabajo es poder brindar el apoyo integral a los trabajadores que debe ser el estándar normativo.

Mi visión para el mundo es una en la que todos puedan tener salarios justos, atención médica, tiempo libre y ser tratados con respeto. Fuera de mi trabajo en CTUL, me gusta leer, coser, trabajar en el jardín y montar en bicicleta.

Toni Geurts

CTUL Logo: Two hands emerging from the Minneapolis skyline and clasping.

Administrador de Becas de Movimiento

Como administrador de subvenciones del movimiento, mi función es sostener y apoyar el crecimiento de nuestro trabajo de coalición y asociación a través de la redacción de subvenciones, la recaudación de fondos y la organización del cambio cultural dentro de las fundaciones y la filantropía, junto con la gestión de informes y responsabilidades administrativas entre nuestros socios. Lo que me motiva a hacer este trabajo es escribir y compartir el trabajo fenomenal y poderoso del movimiento que está sucediendo en el terreno (y la visión de futuro que estamos moldeando dentro de nuestras comunidades a nivel micro y macro) en espacios que albergan y poseen riqueza y energía.

Mi visión para el futuro es una en la que el poder, el privilegio, la opresión y la marginación son conceptos principales e innegables que todos pueden desempacar, analizar y sostener. Donde todos tienen acceso para aprender mecanismos saludables de supervivencia y afrontamiento, satisfacer sus necesidades, sanar de un trauma, vivir su mejor, más feliz y apoyada vida, y ser la mejor versión de sí mismos. Fuera de mi trabajo en CTUL, por lo general estoy abrazando mis múltiples intereses. Me organizo con Filipinx por los Derechos de los Inmigrantes y la Justicia Racial en Minnesota (FIRM) y el Comité Organizador de Trabajadores Encarcelados (IWOC). A menudo me concentro en mi propia curación, recuperación y trabajo espiritual. Me encanta viajar, explorar, pasar tiempo en la naturaleza, reírme de mis perros y pasar tiempo con amigos cercanos y familiares.

Merle Payne

Staff Portrait Photo

Co-Director

Como codirector de CTUL, mi función es coordinar las campañas corporativas que generan poder para la voz de los trabajadores y supervisar la infraestructura de la organización.

Una de cada cinco personas en Minneapolis vive por debajo del nivel de pobreza, luchando todos los días solo por sobrevivir. Las comunidades de color son las más afectadas por esta realidad: la tasa de pobreza de los negros es más de cuatro veces mayor que la tasa de pobreza de los blancos en el área metropolitana de las Ciudades Gemelas. Cuando se considera el hecho de que las 15 corporaciones más ricas de Minnesota tienen más de $1 billón, queda muy claro que el 0.1% más rico ha extraído sistemáticamente esta riqueza y recursos de nuestras comunidades, enfrentando a la mayoría de la población entre sí para luchar. Si tomáramos solo el 10% de eso, ¡podríamos más del doble de los salarios de cada trabajador con salario mínimo en el estado durante más de 10 años! Lo que me motiva a luchar es el liderazgo emergente de los miembros de CTUL que defienden la dignidad y el respeto básicos, declarando: ¡ya es suficiente!

Imagino un futuro en el que todos tengan voz en las decisiones que impactan en sus vidas. Imagino una transición del modelo actual de desarrollo que se basa en la extracción de riqueza de las comunidades pobres de color, a un modelo de desarrollo que se basa en invertir en el liderazgo y el bienestar de nuestras comunidades.

En mi tiempo libre, disfruto retozar con mis hijos y mi familia, jugar al raquetbol y dar largos paseos serpenteantes.

Isabela Escalona

CTUL Logo: Two hands emerging from the Minneapolis skyline and clasping.

Organizador de Comunicacion

Como organizador de comunicaciones, mi trabajo es apoyar a los miembros a contar sus historias de manera poderosa con la prensa, las redes sociales y otros métodos de narración. Lo que me motiva es cuando los trabajadores nombran poderosamente los injusticias que llevaron a las condiciones injustas que enfrentan y dicen la verdad sin disculpas frente al poder para hacer un cambio en nombre de todos los trabajadores.

Mi visión para el futuro es una en la que todos tengan suficiente tiempo libre para pasar con sus familias y amigos, explorar la naturaleza, ir al cine, cocinar para sus seres queridos y crear arte con su comunidad. Fuera de mi trabajo en CTUL, me gusta leer, escribir, ver películas, y explorar las Ciudades Gemelas en largos paseos en bicicleta.

Lucila Dominguez

Staff Portrait Photo

Organizador de Defensores

Como organizador en el comité de Defensores, mi trabajo es desarrollar la voz del trabajador y juntar a las voces de los trabajadores de una manera fuerte. 

Lo que me motiva es ver victorias lideradas por los mismos trabajadores y que los trabajadores están desarrollando liderazgo. Mi visión para el futuro es concientizar el medio ambiente y tener una vida vivible para traer paz a los niños en el futuro y libertad en el mundo 

Además de organizar, me gusta bailar, cantar, y tener flores amarillas

Ruth

Staff Portrait Photo

Director de Organizar

Fomento una sólida cultura organizativa mediante la creación de las aptitudes y el liderazgo de nuestro equipo organizador para desarrollar el liderazgo y el poder colectivo de nuestros miembros.

Nuestro movimiento necesita traer nuevas personas y desarrollar nuevos líderes para tener el poder de lograr nuestra visión. CTUL organiza a los trabajadores que han sido históricamente excluidos del poder institucional, cada vez que un nuevo miembro se inscribe me siento orgulloso del trabajo que estamos haciendo para hacer crecer el movimiento y construir el poder de las comunidades directamente afectadas. Imagino un mundo en el que cada persona crea en su voz, su agencia, y tiene esperanza para el futuro porque sabe que su voz es valorada en la toma de decisiones. Un mundo liberado de las opresiones estructurales e internalizadas y nos ocupamos de la humanidad y de la Madre Tierra.

Me encanta explorar los parques de Minneapolis con mis hijas, tejer bufandas y gorros en invierno, ver partidos de béisbol en verano y comer carne asada en casa con mi marido. Nací y crecí en Minneapolis, en el vecindario donde se encuentra la oficina de CTUL, el mismo vecindario donde vivo con mi familia hoy.

Veronica Mendez Moore

Staff Portrait Photo

Co-Director

Mi posición es liderar a CTUL en la construcción de un nuevo modelo de organización, coaliciones y estrategias que construyan el poder que necesitamos para reescribir las reglas para que nuestra economía funcione para todos. Estoy motivado cuando tengo la oportunidad de apoyar a la gente para que se transforme de alguien que no cree que tenga poder, en alguien que reconozca su poder colectivo con otros y decide usarlo para cambiar el mundo. Cuando la gente experimenta eso, cualquier cosa es posible.

Imagino un mundo en el que todos tengan la libertad de determinar su propio destino en solidaridad con los que los rodean, un mundo en el que las personas puedan sentirse inspiradas a actuar por amor y realizar su mayor potencial.

Soy muy competitiva!  sea compitiendo contra mí misma para cantar mi mejor canción en karaoke, o contra otros que juegan juegos de estrategia como Colonos de Catania con paquetes de extensión, me encanta ganar.

Indira Garmendia

Staff Portrait Photo

Organizadora de Defensores

Soy organizadora principal del programa de desarrollo de liderazgo “Defensores”. Construyó poder con el trabajador, cuando identificamos los sistemas que nos oprimen: racismo, capitalismo, patriarcado y encontramos soluciones. 

Lo que motiva es el contacto directo con la membresía, las historias de las miembros, construir poder colectivo y crear cambio reales en la lucha contra el 1%.

Quiero un mundo justo, donde la explotación no sea una palabra, donde trabajamos felices y con sus familias, división de la riqueza equitativa, y no violencia a las mujeres y la comunidad LGBTQ. 

Soy una activista. feminista, hija, esposa, me gusta bailar, (de que sigue la revelucion si no podemos bailar), me encanta a kareoke, soy migrante, y me encata sembrar flores y vegetales.

Carlos Garcia Velasco

Staff Portrait Photo

Organizador L

Mi función es liderar el equipo de construcción de organizadores poderosos en la construcción y el desarrollo de liderazgo para nuestra base. Apoyamos a los trabajadores en un camino de liderazgo, trabajamos juntos para encontrar soluciones para cambiar la industria de la construcción y generar poder.

Lo que me motiva es el amor a la justicia, el desmantelamiento del capitalismo y la colonización, y la construcción de un nuevo sistema radical creado por personas para personas.

Además de ser organizador, soy padre, hijo, amigo, artista del amor a la vida y la justicia.

Sheff

Staff Portrait Photo

Organizadore de Donantes

Organizo nuestra base de gente rudimentaria y generosa que da dinero al CTUL — donantes mensuales, contribuyentes anuales y socios organizacionales. Yo construyo el poder de los trabajadores organizando el poder monetario que nos permite ser flexibles, dinámicos, visionarios, creativos y estratégicos al hacer nuestro trabajo organizativo.

Me encanta trabajar en CTUL porque nunca antes había trabajado en un lugar donde esté tan plenamente aceptado que todos tenemos un role que jugar en el movimiento. Nuestra liberación está entrelazada, y me siento humilde de ser parte del movimiento para liberarnos a todos.

Imagino un mundo donde despertemos por la mañana y nos sentimos brillando en nuestros cuerpos, donde podamos crecer nuestra comida cerca, y olemos la mantequilla zumbando en la sartén. Nos sentamos en un círculo y compartimos nuestras historias y emociones. Todos tenemos lo que necesitamos y todos podemos avanzar en la forma que necesitamos y queremos.

Cuando no estoy organizando, me encanta doblar y menear música, dibujar octopi y medusas, chillar acerca de momentos de vida ridículos con mis compañeros de casa, escribir cartas, mover mi cuerpo, andar en bicicleta y hacer panqueques.

Taylor Shevey

Staff Portrait Photo

Organizador

Dirijo un equipo de organizadores para luchar por la justicia y un mundo donde la gente no tenga miedo de hacer frente al abuso de poder. Lo que motiva mi trabajo es un marco interseccional para hacer que la gente se vea a sí misma y al mundo. 

Mi visión para el futuro es donde las personas serán libres de ser quienes son sin juicio y sin cadenas, destruir el capitalismo y promueven curación, el amor, la alegría y la libertad. En mi tiempo libre, tengo un gato, me gusta el karaoke y paso tiempo con mi abuela.

Luna Gebriel

CTUL Logo: Two hands emerging from the Minneapolis skyline and clasping.

Organizador de Aliados y Logisticas

Mi trabajo consiste en organizar nuestra base de aliados para apoyar el liderazgo de nuestra base de trabajadores y a cubrir las necesidades logísticas dentro de la organización, incluyendo la logística para acciones directa marchas, y otros eventos. Construyendo poder organizando el apoyo que necesitamos para llevar a cabo nuestro trabajo

Lo que me motiva es saber que algún día seremos liberados incluso después de nuestra vida y saber que nos necesitamos para apoyar nuestros esfuerzos colectivos. 

Lo que imagino para el futuro es la liberación de todas las personas. Ese es y será siempre mi objetivo y para que todos las personas se presenten y sean sus seres más auténticos. 

Soy una hija, una hermana y un miembro de la familia elegido. Disfruto pasar tiempo con mis seres queridos leyendo, bailando, viajando y escribiendo.

Dienner Lazo

Staff Portrait Photo

Coordinador de Finanzas y Operaciones

Mi trabajo incluye procesos financieros, manejo de fondos, recursos humanos y gestiones/necesidades operacionales. Me motiva construir el poder continuar y asegurar que las finanzas de la organización están marchando para el cumplimiento de las metas para la ejecución de las diferentes campañas. 

Mi visión para el futuro es que exista respeto y derecho al trabajador. Tengo una familia pequeña– mi esposa y mi pequeña hija Theda. Soy de Nicaragua, me gusta ir al gimnasio, y pasar tiempo con familia.

Jilian Clearman

Staff Portrait Photo

Desarrollo Principal y Estrategia Narrativa

En nuestro equipo de recaudación de fondos, yo soy la que se enfoca en obtener becas de fundaciones para financiar el trabajo de CTUL. También trabajó en la narración global de CTUL para diferentes audiencias. “Me encanta encontrar formas de presentar el trabajo de CTUL que resuene con diferentes audiencias y retar al mundo de la fundación a repensar cómo ocurre el cambio sistémico y cómo se ve realmente el liderazgo constituyente”.

Imagino un mundo donde mi trabajo es obsoleto porque la desigualdad económica ha terminado y todos tienen lo que necesitan para prosperar. Fuera del trabajo, disfruto de largos paseos por el bosque y compartir comidas con amigos y familiares.

Israel Aranda

Staff Portrait Photo

Organizador de Construcción

Yo organizo y apoyo trabajadores de construcción en la lucha por mejores sueldos y condiciones de trabajo en las Ciudades Gemelas y el área metropolitana. Estoy motivado cuando los trabajadores encuentran su poder y exitosamente organizan a otros trabajadores para juntos construir un futuro mejor para ellos mismos y sus familias. Este resultado se obtiene mejor cuando se crean conexiones fuertes con trabajadores. 

Mi visión para el futuro es que los recursos se compartirán con equidad y protegeremos el medio ambiente mientras lo hagamos. Afuera de organizando, toco Son Jarocho en la comunidad, hago ejercicio, y canto karaoke.

Eustaquio Orzco

CTUL Logo: Two hands emerging from the Minneapolis skyline and clasping.

Organizador de Construcción

Como organizador de construcción, ayudó a trabajadores a mejorar su liderazgo, escuchando sus preocupaciones y necesidades para ver cómo ayudarles y construir poder. 

Lo que motiva en este trabajo es conocer mi comunidad, sus necesidades y poder ser útil al contribuir en resolver sus situaciones Mi visión para el futuro es un mundo donde somos más informados, nos capacitamos más para enfrentar nuestros situaciones diarias y estar estar dispuesto a aprender más. 

Soy esposo, hijo, padre, y me gusta compartir tiempo con mis amigos.

Gerania Mata

Staff Portrait Photo

Organizadora de Downtown

Mi trabajo es buscar a los trabajadores en su lugar de trabajo para hablar de sus experiencias, desarrollar su liderazgo, conociendo su interés y ayudándoles a encontrar su poder para juntos luchar para mejor trabajos. 

Lo que me motiva es saber que más gente puede cambiar sus vidas cuando están dispuestos de luchar por cambios. Me motiva junto con esas personas, podemos cambiar sistemas opresivas. Mi visión es que haya menos discriminación menos separación de razas, más unidad, más cambios en la balanza de poder y que trabajadores obtengan justicia social y económica. 

Me gusta cocinar cosas dulces, enseñarles a mis hijos sobre Dios, y me gusta mirar recetas en Youtube.

Carlos Parra

Staff Portrait Photo

Organizer

I am an organizer with CTUL, I organize working people of color, around minimum wage, paid sick days and other issues in their workplace

I love the work I do because people of color are challenging the capitalist world and when working people use their rights and organize, they win. When single mothers use their paid sick days to take care of their kids, they win. When the minimum wage increases, workers win. I want a world where the working class is thriving and enjoying life rather than working to live. 

Outside of work I like to bike around with my daughter and spend a lot of time with the family enjoying delicious foods. 

TATE HORNOF

CTUL Logo: Two hands emerging from the Minneapolis skyline and clasping.

Defensores Organizer

As a member of the Defensores Team, my job is to do community outreach in order to connect with workers, and give them tools to educate other workers about their labor rights. What motivates me about my work is the fact that knowledge is power. The more workers learn about their rights, the more power they have to fight against the labor injustices they face.

My vision for the world and for my community is that we can exist as ourselves and not be discriminated against for it. My vision is that we can all recognize and celebrate our differences, and fight together to uproot systemic oppression. Outside of work at CTUL, I love to skateboard, write, play, and perform music, kayak on the river, and cuddle with my sweet cat, Benjamin and tender dog, Greene.

Cody Oesterreich

CTUL Logo: Two hands emerging from the Minneapolis skyline and clasping.

Social Services Worker Advocate

I grew up in rural MN in a big family and eventually made my way to Guatemala to work as a Human Rights Accompanier for genocide survivors, worked in Minneapolis restaurants, worked at CTUL as the ally organizer and grant writer back when CTUL was younger, did paralegal immigration work at Legal Services and now I’m back again at CTUL as the Social Services Worker Advocate. Along with my work at CTUL, I’m  a mama to 3 amazing kiddos and love being in the woods.

Matthew Riley

Staff Portrait Photo

Organizer

As a worker organizer, my job is to connect with and educate workers in both Minneapolis and Saint Paul. What really motivates me about this work is when I hear people’s stories and their will to want to fight for worker power. 

My vision for the future is where workers have the benefits and pay they deserve. When no one has to fight for their rights because all workers already have them.  Besides my work at CTUL, I like to play soccer, enjoy media of all types, workout, and take trips to my family’s cabin up north.

Karina Genis

Staff Portrait Photo

Executive Assistant

My role at CTUL as executive assistant is to manage the co-directors calendars, create processes for organization and sustainability, and oversee and coordinate the document translation process. I feel very motivated by working for an organization that does such good and intentional work. I feel inspired everyday by my coworkers and members’ resilience and their amazing way of thinking, which has expanded mine. 

My vision for the future is the distribution of wealth, there is no reason why the 1% needs or should have that much money, eradicating white supremacy, capitalism, and patriarchy. My dream for the future of my community is to create a better work/life balance. Folks should be able to live and enjoy life. 

Outside of my work at CTUL, I like to hang out with my husky (Appa), go biking, play soccer, refurbish furniture, watch horror movies, spend time in nature, and watch movies

Sumaya Mo' Allin

CTUL Logo: Two hands emerging from the Minneapolis skyline and clasping.

Organizer

I am a worker organizer at CTUL, my job primarily focuses on building with and connecting workers in Minneapolis and St. Paul and supporting them in stepping into their power and dignity. 

My vision for the future is one where everyone has the autonomy to live and work in an environment that allows them to thrive, and live full abundant lives regardless of background. What motivates me is seeing workers strengthen their leadership and learn to use their voice for the betterment of others. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors as much as possible, spending time with my animals, and reading fictional books.

Alissa Pollard

Staff Portrait Photo

Digital Organizer

As the digital organizer, my role is to bring folks from the digital realm into the physical both through outreach and engagement through social media and other digital tools! I’m motivated by the power of our individual testimonies and how that unites us all when we come together and find the overlaps in our stories.

My vision for us is that we all see the value in our own experiences, as well as others, and create a community where everyone willingly learns from each other.

When I’m not working with CTUL I like to be active outside, hang out with friends, read, and play music.

Drew Sieplinga

CTUL Logo: Two hands emerging from the Minneapolis skyline and clasping.

Human Resources Lead & Office Manager

My role is supporting CTUL workers so that they can support and fight for all workers. What motivates me about my work is being able to provide the comprehensive support to workers that should be the normative standard. 

My vision for the world is one where everyone can have fair wages, healthcare, free time, and being treated with respect. Outside of my work at CTUL, I like to read, sew, garden, and go on bike rides.

Toni Geurts

CTUL Logo: Two hands emerging from the Minneapolis skyline and clasping.

Movement Grants Administrator

As the movement grants administrator my role is to sustain and support the growth of our coalition and partnership work through grant writing, fundraising, and organizing cultural change within foundations and philanthropy, along with managing reporting and administrative responsibilities between our partners. What motivates me to do this work is getting to write about and share the phenomenal and powerful movement work happening on the ground (and the future vision we’re shaping within our communities on micro and macro levels) in spaces that hold and own wealth and power.

My vision for the future is one where power, privilege, oppression, and marginalization are mainstream and undeniable concepts everyone is able to unpack, analyze, and hold. Where everyone has access to learn healthy coping and survival mechanisms, have their needs met, heal from trauma, live their best, most joyful and supported lives, and be the best version of themselves. Outside of my work at CTUL I’m usually embracing my multi interests. I organize with Filipinx for Immigrant Rights and Racial Justice in Minnesota (FIRM) and Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee (IWOC). I often focus on my own healing, reclamation, and spiritual work. I love to travel, explore, spend time in nature, laugh at my dogs, and spend time hanging out with close friends and family.

Merle Payne

Staff Portrait Photo

Co-Director

As Co-Director of CTUL, my role is coordinating the corporate campaigns that build power for worker voice, as well as overseeing the infrastructure of the organization.

One out of every five people in Minneapolis live below the poverty level, struggling every day just to survive. Communities of color bear the brunt of this reality – the Black poverty rate is over four times higher than the white poverty rate in the Twin Cities metro area. When you consider the fact that the wealthiest 15 corporations in Minnesota hold over $1 trillion in assets, it becomes abundantly clear that the wealthiest 0.1% have systematically extracted this wealth and resources from our communities, pitting the majority of the population against each other to fight over scraps. If we took just 10% of those assets, we could more than double the wages of every single minimum wage worker in the state for over 10 years! What motivates me to fight is the emerging leadership of CTUL members who are standing up for basic dignity and respect, declaring – enough is enough!

I imagine a future where everyone has a voice in decisions that impact their lives. I imagine a transition from the current model of development that is based on the extraction of wealth from poor communities of color, to a model of development that is based on investing in the leadership and well-being of our communities.

In my free time, I enjoy frolicking with my kids and family, playing racquetball, and going on long meandering walks.

Isabela Escalona

CTUL Logo: Two hands emerging from the Minneapolis skyline and clasping.

Communications Organizer

As the communications organizer, my job is to support members in telling their stories powerfully through press, social media, and other storytelling methods. What motivates me is when workers powerfully name the injustices that led to the unfair conditions they face and unapologetically speak the truth in the face of power in order to make a change on behalf of all workers. 

 

My vision for the future is one where everyone has ample free time to spend with their families and friends, explore nature, go to the movies, cook for their loved ones, and create art with their community. Outside of my work at CTUL, I like to read, write, watch movies, and explore the Twin Cities on long bike rides.

Lucila Dominguez

Staff Portrait Photo

Defensores Organizer

As an organizer in the Defensores program, my job is to develop the voice of the workers and to bring workers together with power. 

What motivates me is to see victories led by workers and when workers develop their leadership. My vision for the future is to raise awareness of the environment and have a livable life to bring peace to children in the future and freedom in the world

Besides organizing, I like to dance, sing, and yellow flowers. 

Ruth

Staff Portrait Photo

Organizing Director

I foster a strong organizing culture by building the skills and leadership of our organizing team to develop the leadership and collective power of our membership. 

Our movement needs to bring in new people and develop new leaders in order to have the power to achieve our vision. CTUL organizes workers who have been historically excluded from institutional power, so every time a new member signs up I feel proud of the work we are doing to grow the movement and build the power of directly impacted communities. 

I envision a world where every person believes in their voice, their agency, and has hope for the future because they know their voice is valued in decision-making. A world liberated from structural and internalized oppressions and we take care of humanity and Mother Earth. 

I love to explore Minneapolis Parks with my daughters, knit scarves and hats in the winter, watch baseball games in the summer, and eat a home grilled carne asada with my husband. I’m born and raised in Minneapolis, in the neighborhood where CTUL’s office is located, the same neighborhood where I currently live with my family. 

Veronica Mendez Moore

Staff Portrait Photo

Co-Director

My position is to lead CTUL in building a new model of organizing and form coalitions and strategies that build the power we need to re-write the rules so that our economy works for everyone. 

I’m motivated when I get the opportunity to support people to transform from someone who doesn’t believe they have power, into someone who recognizes their collective power with others and decides to wield it to change the world. Once people experience that, anything is possible. I envision a world in which everyone is free to determine their own destiny in solidarity with those around them – a world where people can be inspired to act from love and fulfil their greatest potential. 

I am very competitive! Whether it’s competing against myself to sing my best song at karaoke, or against others playing strategy games like Settlers of Catan with extension packs, I love to win!

Indira Garmendia

Staff Portrait Photo

Defensores Organizer

I am the lead organizer of the leadership development program Defenders. I build power with the worker where we identify the systems that oppress us: racism, capitalism, patriarchy and we find solutions.

What motivates me, is the direct contact with membership, members’ stories, building collective power, and creating real change in the fight against the .1%.I want a fair world, where exploitation is not a word, where we work happily and with their families, division of equal wealth, and no violence towards women and the LGBTQ community. 

I am an activist. feminist, daughter, wife, I like to dance, I love kareoke, I am an immigrant, and I love to plant flowers and vegetables.

Carlos Garcia Velasco

Staff Portrait Photo

Lead Organizer Construction

My role is to lead the construction team of powerful organizers in relationship building and leadership development for our base. We support workers on a leadership path, work together to find solutions to change the construction industry and build power. 

What motivates me is the love of justice, dismantling capitalism and colonization, and building a new radical system created by people for people. 

Along with organizing, I’m a father, a son, a family man, a friend, an artist of love of life and justice.

Sheff

Staff Portrait Photo

Donor Organizer

I organize our scrappy and generous base of people who give money to CTUL — monthly donors, annual contributors, and organizational partners. I build worker power by organizing the money power that allows us to be flexible, dynamic, visionary, creative, and strategic in doing our organizing work.

I love working at CTUL because I have never worked somewhere before where it is so fully embraced that we all have a role to play in the movement. Our liberation is all intertwined, and I am humbled to be a part of the movement to free us all.

I envision a world where we wake up in the morning and feel glowing in our bodies, where we grow our food close by, and smell butter sizzling in the pan. We sit in circles and share stories and emotions. We all have what we need and we all can move in the ways we need and want to.

When I’m not organizing, I love to bop and wiggle to music, draw octopi and jellyfish, squeal about ridiculous life moments with my housemates, write letters, move my body, bike, and make pancakes.

Taylor Shevey

Staff Portrait Photo

Lead Organizer

I lead a team of organizers to fight for justice and a world where people are not afraid to stand up to abuse of power. What motivates my work is an intersectional framework to move people to see themselves and the world. 

My vision for the future is where people are free to be who they are without judgement and without chains, destroy capitalism and promote healing, love, joy and freedom. In my freetime, I have a cat, I like karaoke, and spending time with my grandma.

Luna Gebriel

CTUL Logo: Two hands emerging from the Minneapolis skyline and clasping.

Ally and Logistics Organizer

My job is to organize our ally base to support the leadership of our worker base and to bottomline logistical needs within the organization including logistics for direct actions, marches and other events. I build power by organizing the support we need to carry out our work. 

What motivates me is knowing that one day we will be liberated even after our lifetime and knowing that we need each other to support our collective efforts. What I imagine for the future is the liberation for all peoples. That is and will always be my goal and for all peoples to show up and be their most authentic selves. 

I am a daughter, a sibling and a chosen family member. I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, reading, dancing, traveling, and writing.

Dienner Lazo

Staff Portrait Photo

Finance and Operations Coordinator

My job includes financial processes, management of funds, human resources, operations, and management. I am motivated by the ability to continue our work, and assure that the organization’s finances are moving towards meeting the goals for the success of our different campaigns. 

My vision for the future is where workers have rights and respect. I like to spend time with my family; my wife and my daughter Theda. I’m from Nicaragua. I like to go to the gym and stay active.

Jilian Clearman

Staff Portrait Photo

Lead Development and Narrative Strategy

On our fundraising team, I’m the one focused on securing foundation grants to fund CTUL’s work. I also work on CTUL’s big-picture storytelling for different audiences. “I love finding ways to present CTUL’s work that resonate with different audiences and challenging the foundation world to re-think how systemic change happens and what constituent leadership really looks like.” 

I envision a world where my job is obsolete because wealth inequality is over and everyone has what they need to thrive. Outside of work I enjoy long walks in the woods and sharing meals with friends and family.

Israel Aranda

Staff Portrait Photo

Construction Organizer

I organize and support construction workers in the fight to bring better wages and working conditions in the Twin Cities and the surrounding metro area. I am motivated when workers come into their power and successfully organize other workers to collectively build a better future for themselves and their families. This kind of outcome is better achieved when you build strong relationships with workers.

My vision for the future is that resources are shared equitably and we protect the environment while doing so. Outside of organizing, I play Son Jarocho in the community, exercise, and sing karaoke.

Eustaquio Orzco

CTUL Logo: Two hands emerging from the Minneapolis skyline and clasping.

Construction Organizer

As a construction organizer, I support construction workers build their leadership, listen to their concerns to see how I can support them and build power.

What motivates me in this work is getting to know my community, its needs and being useful in contributing to resolving its plights. My vision for the future is a world where workers are more informed of their rights, confront our daily struggles, and are willing to learn more.

I am a husband, son, father, and I like to spend time with my friends.

Gerania Mata

Staff Portrait Photo

Downtown Organizer

My job is to meet workers at their workplace to talk about their experiences, develop their leadership, learn about their interests and help them find their own power so that together we can fight for better working conditions. What motivates me is knowing that more people can change their lives when they are ready to fight for change and that together we can change oppressive systems. 

My vision is for there to be less discrimination, less separation by race, more unity, and more changes in the balance of power and that workers achieve social and economic justice. I like to bake sweets, teach my children about God, and watch recipes on YouTube.